Shop Local This Holiday Season

November 25, 2011 5:43 PM

With the dawn of Black Friday, the rush of the holiday season has begun. While you're dropping all that cash, why not support your neighbors' businesses and your local economy? These events showcase small stores, local designers, and shopping on a micro-level. Plus, why shop online when some of these have snacks, music, open bars and great company? (One even takes you around in a limo.)

Tomorrow, November 26 | EtsyRAIN Handmade Holiday Show - Seattle, WAJoin 55 hand selected vendors, Thanksgiving weekend at the Intiman Theater for the 3rd annual EtsyRAIN Handmade Holiday Show!Admission is FREE and the first 50 shoppers through the doors each day will receive a free swag bag filled with goodies from the 1000+ EtsyRAIN team! $1 donations will also be collected to benefit Seattle area school Art Programs through donorschoose.org! No candy canes or Christmas socks here! Instead, shoppers will be dazzled by a selection of waterproof shower art, mermaid tails, knit wizard beards, fraidy cat earrings, business monkey belt buckles, crocheted golden snitch ornaments, garden bon bons, boodle bags, peacock pendants and so much more.

Thursday, December 1 | Eat, Sip, Shop! - Philadelphia, PAAn evening filled with food, wine, raffles, fashion shows, and a trunk show featuring thousands of gift ideas from local artists! All admission proceeds go to benefit the nonprofit organization Dress for Success Philadelphia. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Friday, December 9 | Retail Therapy - Southern Shores, NCIf luxury, boutique goods and experiences are more your bag, Retail Therapy delivers. A chauffeured limousine will escort you VIP style to 3 boutiques in Duck--Savvy Home, Luxury and Plum Crazy--for exclusive in-store events while sipping champagne and nibbles. The evening will end with a full dinner at Coastal Provisions Market and a VIP goodie bag overflowing with delights.

Saturday, December 10 | Duck the Malls holiday art and craft sale! - Olympia, WANow in its 9th year, Duck the Malls has become a holiday tradition and draws a huge number of our community members wanting another great opportunity to shop locally, creatively, and alternatively for the holidays and support true craftsmanship. As Olympia Film Society (OFS) celebrates its 30th year, they'll be releasing a limited edition OFS/Capitol Theater coloring book at this year's Duck the Malls, while supplies last. Shopping at Duck The Malls is a way to appreciate and support cool handmade items that you will NOT find in the mall. Now more than ever is the time to support and shop EVERYTHING local and know that your dollars are being spent right here in your community! Admission is free, the concession stand will be open, and there will also be homemade baked goods for sale. Discover the wonder and joy of craft in our community at Duck the Malls!

Wednesday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 20 | Eat and Shop Local - Varies by date, NCComplete your gift list by exploring North Carolina's downtowns with Taste Carolina! They'll take you to their favorite restaurants and shops. Advance registration is required. Different cities every day from December 14 to December 20: Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Winston-Salem.